Christians a question about persecution?

Question

Jesus said:
Matthew 5:11-12, "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."

And yet later on Paul writes this:
Titus 2:15, "These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee."

So, if we know as Christians we will be hated and persecuted what does it mean in Titus that we should "let no man despise thee"?

Answer 1

Darlin' - the original word translates:

G4065
περιφρονέω
periphroneō
per-ee-fron-eh'-o
From G4012 and G5426; to think beyond, that is, depreciate (contemn): - despise.
Depreciate: to represent or think or speak of as being of little value or merit; belittle. To lessen the value of. To devalue a long term asset.

Other translations say:

Titus 2:15 Teach these things and use your full authority as you encourage and rebuke your hearers. Let none of them look down on you.

Titus 2:15 Teach these things, as you use your full authority to encourage and correct people. Make sure you earn everyone's respect.

This is an instruction to someone who is an authority that teaches about Jesus Christ. (See verse 7.)

If you walk respectfully - speaking with grace - acting honorably - you may be persecuted, but even your detractors will be able to respect you because of the honorable way in which you conduct yourself.

This is a part of Self Control - a fruit of the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control. There is no law against such things as these.

1st Corinthians 13:4-8a Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth. Love never gives up; and its faith, hope, and patience never fail. Love is eternal.

When we walk in the ways of the fruits of the Spirit - we honor Christ, and are persons worthy of respect.

I hope that helps!
Peace.

Answer 2

In Titus, it is giving instructions about teaching. Look at it in the context of a few verses around it. It may be helpful for you to read all of chapter 2. It may seem that are talking about similar things in the two books, but it is not.

Look at it in the Amplified version, "Tell [them all] these things. Urge (advise, encourage, warn) and rebuke with full authority. Let no one despise or disregard or think little of you [conduct yourself and your teaching so as to command respect]." It is talking about people disliking you as in a teaching situation.

Remember that Matthew is the gospel. Titus is a letter written about specific situation within a church. It isn't talking about how we deal with the world on the outside. It is dealing with the church and learning to be better leaders and teachers.

Answer 3

We are NOT to be persecuted for wrong doing, only for righteousness sake as spoken by our Lord in verse 10 of Matthew 5.

Paul was telling Titus: Let no man despise thee - That is, conduct yourself in such a way that you will be able to expect universal respect as a minister of God even if someone hates you because you are a Christian, they are forced to respect you for your well kept moral standard; just as he also wrote in 1Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Answer 4

When ever one gets persecuted for 'Christ Righteousness' they are blessed. One of the reason they persecute is because they are jealous of the blessings of the Christian. The Pharisees were jealous of Jesus popularity & schemed to kill Jesus. Jealousy is the root.

And Jesus promises that we will be blessed with persecution.

Answer 5

Both Titus and Timothy endured much criticism from false teachers during their ministries. Paul is exhorting Titus to continue to preach sound doctrine, while avoiding unnecessary strife. As Christians, we are to conduct ourselves in like manner. God bless you!!!

Answer 6

"Here is a special instruction to Titus in reference to himself: "Let no man despise thee; that is, give no occasion to do so, nor suffer it without reproof, considering that he who despiseth despiseth not man, but God.’’ Or thus, "Speak and exhort these things, press them upon all, as they may respectively be concerned; with boldness and faithfulness reprove sin, and carefully look to thyself and thy own conduct, and then none will despise thee.’’ The most effectual way for ministers to secure themselves from contempt is to keep close to the doctrine of Christ, and imitate his example—to preach and live well, and do their duty with prudence and courage; this will best preserve both their reputation and their comfort.'' Matthew Henry

Answer 7

why are christians so obsessed with being persecuted. You do realize that Christians have persecuted more people in the histroy of civilization, than all the rest of the worlds population combined.

One group has persecuted more people in its history, than all the rest of the peoples of the world.

Good on you!

The persecution you get, YOU DESERVE for thousands of years of persecution youve given to others. DEAL WITH IT.

Answer 8

If one is in the Majority which many Christians claim they are it seems rather ridiculous to constantly cry persecution. And pull your nose of the bible for second and understand history. Christians were terrorists back in the day. They killed women whom they suspected as being witches

Answer 9

It means that even though we suffer persecution, we are to still remain Christ like.

Answer 10

Maybe Paul and Matthew forgot to compare notes.